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Agricultural Industry Scholarships Presented at Commodity Classic

The agricultural industry is currently enjoying some of its largest and most profitable growth and BASF Crop Protection is providing a financial boost for students in agriculture to provide educated leaders for tomorrow.

BASF, in partnership with the American Soybean Association and the National Corn Growers Association, presented six students – five in college and one high school senior -- with scholarships during the 2012 Commodity Classic in Nashville, Tennessee.

“These students are our future and we are a committed advocate in the agriculture industry,” says Paul Rea, vice president, U.S. Crop Protection, BASF. “This is an investment in talent for the good of the industry.”

This is the fifth year BASF has partnered with ASA and NCGA to offer the scholarships, which are managed by the community groups and funded through a grant by BASF.

ASA Scholarship

The 2012-2013 ASA Secure Optimal Yield Scholarship is a $5,000 award presented to an outstanding high school senior who has achieved high academic and leadership requirements, and is planning to pursue a degree in an agriculture-related field at an accredited college or university.

Melissa Schenck of Boston, Kentucky, was chosen as the 2012-2013 ASA SOY scholarship recipient. Schenck, a senior at Nelson County High School, will pursue a degree in agriculture communications at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, beginning this fall.

Schenck is involved in the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association, Nelson County 4H Market to Market Ham Club, Nelson County Farm Bureau and Nelson County FFA. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has participated in various community service events, including Relay for Life and Custodian Appreciation Week. As a member of her school's Agricultural Issues Team, she created a presentation on food additives which received first place at the state FFA convention and placed in the semi-finals at the national competition.

NCGA Scholarships

In partnership with BASF, the NCGA Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Program awarded five $1,000 scholarships during the 2012 Commodity Classic to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing an agricultural degree.

Recipients of the NCGA scholarship include:

Andrew Perry of Columbia, Missouri - Perry is a sophomore at the University of Missouri-Columbia, studying agricultural economics and plant science.

Andy Chamra of Rose Hill, Iowa - Chamra is a junior at Iowa State University pursuing agricultural business.

Gracie Weinzierl of Stanford, Illinois - Weinzierl is a sophomore at Illinois State University majoring in agricultural education in addition to crop and soil science.

Denise Beam of Elverson, Pennsylvania - Beam is a sophomore at Pennsylva-nia State University pursuing a degree in animal sciences with an agricultural business management minor.

Bethany Olson of Jewell, Iowa - Olson is a junior at Iowa State University specializing in agricultural business and international agriculture.

"These students are passionate about the industry, and we look forward to watching them grow into the leaders and advocates of our business,” Rea adds.